ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of unilateral orchidectomy on the hormones of the pituitary gonadal axis in adult Wistar rats .These hormones include: Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Luteinizing Hormone, Prolactin, Progesterone, Testosterone and Estradiol. In the experiment 20 adult rats weighing between 180g and 200g were used. The animals were divided into 2 Groups A and B with ten rats in each group (n=10). Each group was further subdivided into 4 Groups(A1, A2, B1, B2) of five rats each. Group A saved as the control which did not undergo unilateral orchidectomy, Group B1 and Group B2 had unilateral orchidectomy and was sacrificed after the first spermatogenic cycle which lasted for 28 days (4weeks) and the second spermatogenic cycle which lasted for 56days (8weeks) respectively. During sacrifice blood was collected and immediately taken to the laboratory for hormone analysis. Body weight between groups showed significant statistical difference. The hormone analysis results showed that testosterone, Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Luteinizing Hormone and prolactin in rats from Group B were significantly reduced when compared to Group A(control). Progesterone did not show any significant difference. However, Testosterone in rats from Group B2 increased and maintained the normal concentration while Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Luteinizing Hormone and Prolactin furthermore reduced. Estradiol increased both in Group B1 and B2. Thus there is significant difference in the level of hormone concentration after unilateral orchidectomy, suggesting possible anti-fertility effects.